HC Deb 19 March 1805 vol 4 cc47-8

—Upon the order of the day being moved for the house to resolve itself into a committee on the Irish Excise Duties bill,

Sir John Newport

said, he hoped the right hon. gent. who had given notice of his intention to bring forward a plan for the reduction of the militia, would allow the Irish Tax bills to be postponed. It was of importance they should undergo some discussion; hitherto they had undergone none. They had been brought in on Saturday, not usually a day of business, and read a second time on Monday, on a national festival. However the national Saint might protect the country from venomous animals, it was plain he had no power of protecting against tax bills. Acts of parliament might as well be passed by acclamation, as with a degree of precipitation which precluded discussion. He had expressed his intention of opposing one or two of the tax bills, but had hitherto had no opportunity.

The Speaker

observed, that on a day for which any hon. member had given notice of a motion, it was usual to waive the other orders.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer

expressed his intention of deferring his motion respecting the reduction of the militia till Thursday next.

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